GREENVILLE, S.C. - The National Christian College Athletic Association annually honors one student-athlete from each sport with a Game Plan 4 LIFE Character Award, factoring in the student-athlete's success in the classroom and on the field, as well as leadership and ministry involvement. At Sunday's NCCAA Softball World Series banquet in Dallas, it was announced that the softball version of the award, the Deb Thompson Award, has been awarded to Sydney Lane (Altoona, Iowa/Grand View Christian) from the University of Northwestern. Lane is the first Eagle to win any iteration of the NCCAA Softball Game Plan 4 Life Award.

Here is how the NCCAA describes the award: "Deb Thompson became head coach at Spring Arbor University in 1987 and built a legacy through impacting players for Christ, while creating a winning culture on and off the field. She was awarded the NFCA Regional Coach of the Year on four occasions, received numerous NCCAA district/regional awards, and was the NCCAA Coach of the Year in 2005 when her Cougars captured the NCCAA National Title. Deb has over 800 career wins and counting and was inducted into the Spring Arbor University Hall of Fame in 2002. She has and continues to serve selflessly while nurturing the student-athletes who have had the benefit of calling her coach. The NCCAA is proud to present this award in recognition of Deb Thompson's legacy of service."

Here is an excerpt from the NCCAA press release, describing why Lane is deserving of the prestigious award:

"For her career, Lane has hit an astounding .333 in 155 games played for the Eagles, with 171 hits, 136 runs scored, 46 doubles, 9 triples, 3 home runs, 102 RBI, and 46 stolen bases. Lane has only struck out 38 times in 514 at-bats, recording an on-base percentage of .375. Lane earned NCCAA First Team All-Regional honors and First Team All-Upper Midwest Athletic Conference honors in 2024.
 
Off the field, Lane holds a 3.50 GPA while majoring in psychology and was a 2024 NCCAA Scholar-Athlete. She was also selected as a College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team member in 2023. Lane has also been on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic, helps with monthly game nights at Eagle Crest Senior Living, and helps with volunteer service projects with Feed My Starving Children, Source Ministries, Second Harvest, and New Life Family Services."

The full NCCAA press release announcing the award can be found here.